Back in Australia, August could be a bit like bore-gust. It was cold (by Aussie standards) and people went into hibernation mode. But not in New York City! Here, August is one of the best, and hottest, times to experience this incredible metropolis. We’ve compiled a list of upcoming activities that will suit a range of interests, and budgets!
AWNY is hosting and supporting the following events – please join us:
Celebrate summer with the American Australian Association at Bluestone Lane’s stunning new Bowery Café in Nolita. On the night the AAA will be launching their brand new individual membership program with exciting discounts from our friends at Qantas, Humming Puppy, Bluestone Lane, R.M. Williams, Dinosaur Designs and many more! Tickets start at $10 for members.
August 26: AWNY Book Club – The Plot Against America
Join us for our August AWNY Book Club to read Philip Roth’s “The Plot Against America.”
Roth is one of America’s most famed Jewish authors, and “The Plot Against America,” written in 2004 and deemed ‘stroke of genius’, is eerily predictive of the current political climate. Read the below review and join us to delve deeper into understanding this country we live in.
Venue: Upstairs at The Australian, 20 West 38th Street
Time: 6pm for 6:30 start
RSVP: Via the AWNY Book Club registration form
Can’t make this book club event, but still want to participate? We’re running a virtual book club for the same book on Sept 2. Full details here.
Throughout August: AWNY Guides
Of course, any day in August – or all of summer for that matter, you can visit one of the many beaches and pools that the Tri-State area has to offer. We’ve got a guide for that too. Check out the Australian’s Guide to Beaches in New York and the Where to Find a Swimming Pool in NYC for some inspiration. Swimming not your thing? Prefer a glass of wine with a view? Our Guide to Rooftop Bars in New York might be just the ticket!
The following events are happening around NYC throughout August and beyond:
August 3, 10 and 17: Summer Streets (free)
Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space—our streets. On the first three Saturdays in August from 7 am – 1 pm, nearly seven miles of New York City’s streets are open to the public to play, run, walk and bike.
August 3 – 4: Dragon Boat Festival (free)
If you’ve never seen a dragon boat race, it’s something not to be missed – and this is a big one! It’s a race of 170 dragon-boat teams on the Meadows Lake, in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens. Besides boats, there will be traditional dance, martial arts, music, folk art, and Chinese food. More information can be found here.
August 4 and August 11: Shakespeare for Kids (free)
Hip to Hip Theatre Company is performing two of Shakespeare’s great plays in a kid-friendly format. August 4 is The Tragedy of King Richard III and on August 11 is A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The shows are held in Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens with sweeping views of Manhattan’s skyline. See here for more details.
August 5 and 12: Bryant Park Movie Nights (free)
It’s your last chance to lay out the picnic rug and catch a film right in the middle of the city, in Bryant Mark. Anchorman will play on August 5, or if you’d like to pick which movie you see, voting has opened for the Fan Choice movie that will air on August 12 – head to Twitter to vote. Food and drinks are on sale at the park.
August 6, 13, 20, 27: Stargaze with an Astronomer (free)
Every Tuesday until October, head to the High Line Park to gaze at the stars, planets, and moon through high-powered telescopes. Experts are on hand to answer any astronomical questions. Arrive by dusk and meet on the High Line at 14th Street.
Until August 11: Kakigori Summer PopUp
Kakigori is a luxury confection that originated in Japan in the 11th century. A delicacy favored by nobles, it was created by shaving ice into fine, smooth flakes, stacking them into delicate layers and covering them with the finest ingredients. The combination delivers a treat that was sweet and satisfying, rich and refreshing. You can taste Kakigori for yourself at the Intersect by Lexus popup. Flavors include champagne brulee and melon margherita – oh yeah! The cafe is open 11am-4pm and the bar from 5pm-10pm. Intersect by Lexus is located on the 2nd floor at 412 West 14th Street, New York NY 10014.
Until August 12: NYC Restaurant Week
NYC Restaurant Week offers special prix-fixe menus at hundreds of restaurants across town with 2-course lunch for $26 and 3-course dinner for $42, with Aussie favourites Burke & Wills, and Babu Ji participating.
August 13: The Waifs at Sony Hall
Australian folk rock band, the Waifs, are touring across the US and you can catch them at Sony Hall on August 13. Whether you know them for their early hits such as Bridal Train or Sun Dirt Water, or if you’ve followed them through to their latest albums, don’t miss this chance to see this iconic Aussie band in this old supper club venue. Tickets are $35 direct from the venue.
August 15: Backstreet Boys at Barclays Center
Backstreet’s Back, alright! Get your friends together, put some body glitter on, and get ready to party like it’s 1999 (again). Reminiscing can be oh so fun when you know all the lyrics. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.
August 24 and 25: Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island
If you’re looking for a prohibition era inspired outing that goes well beyond your typical speakeasy bar, then this is for you. First hosted in 2005, the event started as a small gathering of about 50 people. Today, the Jazz Age Lawn Party takes place two weekends a year, where guests are invited to immerse themselves in one of the most colorful and formative epochs in American history. Tickets start at $45.
August 26 to September 8: US Open Tennis 2019
This year’s US Open kicks off on Aug 26, at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens. Check out the schedule and get tickets here. On a budget? The FREE Fan Week, including the US Open Qualifying Tournament (look under F for fan), begins on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018 with the grounds open for fans to watch the best players in the world prepare for this year’s Open.
The free concert series that takes place on stages across the five boroughs continues until August 27. There are some many great acts, check out the lineup, pick your favorite, and get out there!
Aug 30 – Sep 1: Electric Zoo Festival
If electronic music is your jam, you won’t want to miss Electric Zoo, one of New York’s biggest music festivals held each year on Randall’s Island. This year’s 10th annual New York edition, themed ‘The Big Ten’ will feature a wide variety of acts from around the world and across the spectrum of electronic music’s various sub-genres. Tickets are on sale now.
Until August 31: Harlem Week Festival (free)
Celebrating it’s 45th anniversary, Harlem Week is actually a month-long celebration of all the things that make this part of Manhattan so amazing: music, food, art and fashion! Head up to Harlem to see live music of all genres from Jazz, R&B Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and Gospel. There will be arts and crafts, fashion shows, and local food. Each week is different, so be sure to check out the schedule.
Until September: Summer on the Hudson (free)
Summer on the Hudson is NYC Parks’ annual outdoor arts and culture festival that takes place in Riverside Park from 59th Street to 153rd Street. With a mix of music concerts, dance performances, movies under the stars, DJ dance parties, kids shows, special events, wellness activities, and more there is something for everyone! All programs and events are free to the public and registration is not required unless specifically stated in event information. Check out the website for a full list of activities (there are a lot!)
Here’s to a categorically un-bore-gust August!
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 
Great job Julia! Bernadette
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